Colorado Matters

Colorado voters approved a proposition in the last election that funds victims' services and other support programs through an excise tax on guns. We talk with an advocate about efforts to reduce gun vigilance. Then, what's next for RTD now that voters have weigh-in on new board members and funding? Also, how the fantasy novel "Navola" helped the author escape climate change anxiety. And a mother's immigration story is at the heart of "Avaaz," now playing at the Denver Center Theater Company. 

For the first time since this month’s consequential election, we sit down with Governor Jared Polis, who has just launched a new national project to "safeguard democracy." We also ask about immigration, U.S. Space Command, and working with the incoming presidential administration. Then, artifacts in glass cases are one way to share history, but History Colorado now incorporates works by living artists -- to connect past and present. And the new novel, "Playing with Wildfire." 

Following the election, a Colorado non-profit's been inundated with requests. The Trans Continental Pipeline helps trans people move to Colorado, where protections are stronger. Then, avia flu was likely more prevalent in Colorado's dairy workers than first thought; we'll track the outlook. Plus, another chance to celebrate 20 years of African cuisine. And Chris Pandolfi takes us "Inside the Musician's Brain."

Without the horse, says historian Tim Winegard, the world would look nothing like it does today. The Colorado Mesa University professor has written, "The Horse: A Galloping History of Humanity." He joined Sr. Host Ryan Warner on stage in Grand Junction in September for our reading series, "Turn The Page." They discuss how goods, ideas, and diseases proliferated on horseback. Plus, The Great Manure Crisis?! 

Next Chapter, a pilot program based in El Paso County, aims to reduce veteran suicides. Then, in Vietnam a group of fighter pilots volunteered for a seemingly impossible mission: preventing the delivery of weapons and supplies from the North to the South. Their work is chronicled in the documentary "The Misty Experiment: The Secret Battle for the Ho Chi Minh Trail." And, Donut Dollies supported the troops in World War II, Korea and Vietnam. 

R&R Head Labs is a mission-based barbershop that hires people who were formerly incarcerated and returning veterans. As it marks one year in business, it's looking to expand. Then, we remember a Valeria Takata, a Colorado centenarian who shared her love for skiing. Plus, Denver's unique place in U.S. patent history and a Colorado invention makes Shark Tank's holiday gift guide. 

Colorado's election results are in sharp contrast to the national picture. What's behind the state's move from purple to a very solid blue? And how does the Colorado Republican party differ from the national one? We speak with Seth Masket, a professor and blogger who's been following the GOP over the past four years for an upcoming book. Then, he's influenced JD Vance; now Patrick Deneen, author of "Why Liberalism Failed," is CU's visiting conservative scholar. And, while all eyes have been on the presidential election, Denver had a lot of local issues to consider, from slaughterhouses to school funding. Denverite's Kyle Harris joins us. 

The recent E.coli outbreak at McDonald's has the owner of Colorado-based burrito chain "Illegal Pete's" rethinking food safety. Then, a mother's search for accountability after her son endures years of racist slurs in a Weld County middle school. Plus, a program that helps Native American fathers connect with their families. And Colorado Wonders about grocery bag fees. 

In El Paso County, domestic violence cases are disproportionately high. A new review board will help identify trends and, hopefully, reverse them. Then, ahead of Election Day, “Purplish” explores split-ticket voting. And, a Littleton father's efforts to make the streets safer.